New beta test roadmap released for FFXIV: A Realm Reborn

Source: The Lodestone

A new roadmap has been released, detailing what we can expect for the upcoming Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Beta Test. It deviates somewhat from the original roadmap we were given back in October 2011. All dates have been pushed back, and while we don’t have a definite release date for the game anymore, previous rumors of a June 2013 release date are starting to look more likely with the new roadmap we’ve been given.

The FFXIV beta will consist of four testing phases, each one lasting anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks. In addition to that, there will be a debug period of 1 to 2 weeks between each testing phase.

Beta Test Phase 1 is scheduled to begin some time in mid February 2013. As far as details are concerned, here are a few important things to note about the testing period.

All Legacy status holders qualify as testers in phase 1.

All FFXIV service account holders qualify as testers in phase 3.

All races and genders will be playable.

Gamepad control will be implemented in Phase 2.

Phase 3 will introduce Limsa Lominsa and Ul’dah leveling paths

Phase 4 is scheduled to be an open beta.

Characters from each phase of testing will be deleted before the next phase begins.

Characters created during Phase 4 will be carried over to the official release.

A lot of features will be implemented for testing during the beta, including Full Active Time Events (FATEs), Grand Companies, private chocobos, the Materia system, the housing system, Limit Breaks, Duty Finder, level syncing, and a lot more. In addition, during Phase 4, Version 1.0 service account holders will be able to download the commercial ARR client free of charge. Unfortunately, those that want to play on the PS3 will have to buy a copy of the game for that platform.

Players can register for the Beta Test through the Beta Tester Application Site, which will be available in early January 2013. You can check out the Lodestone for a pdf file with the full roadmap and lots more details about everything summarized here.

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About Orophen

Orophen is probably made of bees. A FFXI veteran, he is currently playing Final Fantasy XIV. He is also an amateur artist and a passable writer. His only wish is that his Armorer might some day become skilled enough to build mecha. You can find him on twitter if that's the sort of thing you're into, and he also has a personal site in the works.